The Pap Corps is a South Florida based organization that’s mission is to raise funds to enable and support vital research programs at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. From now through the end of the year, the Corps is focusing its fundraising efforts on a specific cancer.
"This year is focused on Melanoma. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer throughout the world and the United States. One person a day dies from Melanoma. We have a $100,000 challenge match from Jerry Yass and the Yass family. They will match the donor's money, dollar for dollar. Our focus this year is specifically on Melanoma research," said CEO of The Pap Corps, David Bakelman.
Stevie Naids is a Pap Corps member and a cancer survivor who received her care at Sylvester and she knows firsthand the benefits of undergoing care there.
"When I went my own personal view was, I challenged them and everyone I met there including my oncologist and my surgeon. That is just the nature of the beast and every time I did, I came up with exactly the feelings, feedback, and everything I was actually looking for," said Naids.
If you’re considering donating money to The Pap Corps to help them fight Melanoma, David says your money will be well spent.
"One of the things that differentiates Pap Corps from other charities in the United States, is we actually see where every dollar is being spent that our members and donors are donating and it goes towards cancer research," said Bakelman.
And with regard to Sylvester, if you’re a prospective patient there are many reasons to choose that cancer center.
"They listened and nobody laughed at me. They knew how frightened and nervous I was and when you throw a big manual in front of the doctor and say that’s my life right there in front of you, what do you think you’re going to do it, he respected that so much" said Naids.
To learn more The Pap Corps head to thepapcorps.org